Ocala Health System

What You Need to Know About Preventing Diabetes

If you would like to raise awareness of November as American Diabetes Month and show your support for the movement, consider how you and your loved ones can adjust your lifestyle for more effective diabetes prevention. Here are some interesting facts about reducing your risk of type-II diabetes and how you can apply them to your life:

Losing a Small Amount of Weight can Make a Big Difference

Because excess weight is one of the top factors indicating possible future diabetes, reducing your current weight by 5-7% can have a major positive impact on your health. Best of all, taking the steps necessary to lose weight and keep it off can also contribute to an overall healthy body.

Small Changes in Diet Add Up

Many people who wish to lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle make the mistake of thinking that a temporary, strict diet will help them reach their goals. However, any progress made under such a plan will likely not last long-term. Instead, work to gradually and permanently change eating habits. Switch out refined breads and cereals for whole grains, and substitute lean meats or soy products for processed and red meat. In addition, reach for snacks involving fruit, vegetables, or nuts instead of prepackaged and carbohydrate-laden chips, crackers, or cookies.

Being Active Every Day is Important

While it may seem like visiting the gym is necessary to positively affect your long-term health, in reality, doing moderate physical activity just 10-30 minutes per day, five days a week can help lower your risk of diabetes. Whether you choose to tone your body by lifting weights, take your dog for a walk instead of letting him or her run around the yard, or dance to upbeat music while cleaning the house, keep your exercise interesting and fun by varying up your activities.

Call Ocala Health System at (352) 401-1000 for further information about preventing diabetes or to schedule an appointment to test for the presence of diabetes or prediabetes. We also offer monthly classes on diabetes management to help patients and their loved ones adjust to their new lifestyles.

A Look at Diabetes Prevention

Many people underestimate the seriousness of diabetes and its related complications. This video shows the heartrending consequences of uncontrolled diabetes and describes some important statistics concerning the disease.

Although nearly 80 million U.S. citizens have prediabetes, the vast majority of them do not realize it. For this reason, it is important to increase general awareness of diabetes risk factors and get tested for diabetes if you recognize yourself as being at risk for the condition.

Ocala Health System can help you learn about the symptoms and treatment of diabetes. Call (352) 401-1000 for answers to your health questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians.

Are You at High Risk for Lung Cancer?

Patients with lung cancer are much more likely to have a positive outcome if the disease is detected early, as treatment is most effective when tumors are small and confined to the lungs. One important way to determine whether lung cancer is a pertinent health concern for you is to analyze your lifestyle and personal history for the following factors:

Smoking

The use of smoking tobacco, such as in cigarettes or cigars, is the most prominent risk factor for developing lung cancer—nine out of ten cases of lung cancer are attributable to smoking, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fortunately, the more time that passes after a person quits smoking, the better his or her odds of staying healthy.

Exposure to Air Contaminants

Radon is a carcinogenic gas that is undetectable by human senses. It is emitted by soil and can enter a home through cracks in the exterior, becoming trapped indoors and building up over time. Long-term exposure to other dangerous airborne substances such as asbestos, secondhand smoke, and coal dust can also greatly increase a person’s chances of developing lung cancer.

Chest Radiation

While radiation therapy is an important method of treating cancer, it can cause secondary cancers years later. Therefore, patients who have undergone treatment to the chest are advised to speak with their physicians about screening for lung cancer.

Family History of Cancer

A large-scale study from Chest Journal revealed that if a close relative of yours has had lung cancer, such as a parent or sibling, you are more likely to develop the disease, even if you have never smoked.

Quitting smoking, testing your home for radon, and avoiding situations where air contamination is prevalent are important ways to keep your lungs healthy. You can celebrate Lung Cancer Awareness Month along with Ocala Health System by calling our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line at (352) 401-1000 for more detailed information about lung cancer.

These Resources Provide Additional Information On Staying Healthy As You Age

If you want more information about maintaining your health as you get older, contact Ocala Health System at (352) 401-1000 or by calling our Consult-A-Nurse healthcare referral line. Find some facts about staying fit and preventing breast cancer at these helpful sites.

• See some breast cancer statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• The National Cancer Institute explains the importance of mammography in breast cancer diagnosis.
• Know the risk factors for breast cancer by reading this article from Cancer.org.
• Prepare for the health changes that can accompany menopause with WomensHealth.gov.
• Keep your bones healthy and strong with tips from the NIH.

Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke in a Loved One

A stroke occurs when a blocked artery or burst blood vessel obstructs blood flow to the brain, resulting in brain damage. Stroke symptoms can vary. Some people may experience weakness on one side of the body, while others suffer from sudden headaches with no apparent cause. In order to seek treatment as soon as possible, individuals must be vigilant in identifying stroke symptoms in their loved ones. If you notice a friend or family member displaying any of the following warning signs, call 911 for help.

Face

The first warning sign of a stroke can often be found in the face. Blood flow blockage to the brain frequently affects muscular control on the left side of the face. Ask your loved one to smile. Do you notice any drooping on one side? If so, contact a healthcare provider for immediate assistance.

Arms

The early effects of stroke are not limited to the face. The entire side of a person’s body may suddenly exhibit weakness or lack of coordination. Ask your friend or family member to raise both arms above his or her head. If you detect that one of the arms is drifting downward, or if the person cannot raise that arm at all, they may be suffering from a stroke and require medical intervention.

Speech

A stroke can negatively affect a person’s speech abilities and mental clarity. Ask your loved one to repeat a simple phrase. If he or she cannot do it, or if your loved one speaks with evident slurring, you must get professional help.

Time

Time is of the essence when it comes to treating a stroke. The longer a person goes without medical help, the greater the odds of permanent disability or death. If you notice signs of stroke in a loved one, make sure to note the time when the symptoms first appeared, as some medications can be administered within the first three hours of a stroke’s onset.

Ocala Health System provides comprehensive care for stroke victims, as well as other forms of cardiovascular treatment and neurosurgery. To schedule a consultation at our facility in Ocala, Florida, please contact us at (352) 401-1000.